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Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Home Tour: Chitra Seetharaman

Ahome tour after a long time and I am sure y'all will love it as much as you have loved all the previous Home Tours on 3D. Just like the tagline of 3D, the owner of this home is also on a mission to "Transforming A House Into A Home".

Dear folks, welcome Chitra Seetharaman, who is joining us from Illinois, USA where she lives with her husband and almost two-year-old cute lil' daughter. Chitra is an Accredited Staging Professional and loves doing up homes and believe me, she has got a wonderful taste and can effortlessly transform a house into a home. She has been on my blog earlier too when she had shared her Pooja room wall for "Wall Decorating Series" on 3D. If by any chance you have missed that post then you can read it by clicking here. One more thing is that a lot of time my readers ask me that where they can buy the products that they see on my blog, so I have embedded the links where I have mentioned the name of the products. Just click the link, explore, compare and if it suits your taste then buy it. I wouldn't keep you waiting now. Let's take a tour of Chitra's beautiful abode as she takes us through it and explains how everything came about.

"As an Accredited Staging Professional ASP® (I am a full time IT professional, a Business and Quality Analyst to be precise but as the first step in chasing my dreams I got my accreditation in home staging beginning of this year) there is no surprise that home staging is my passion. I’ve “staged” and decorated my room/ home since I remember. Back then I’d love to dress my room up and wow my friends and family. That has since evolved and though I still play “ home dress up” I do it on a professional level. My home is an outlet to all my pent up energy. I decorate, organize and clean my home like therapy. I move furniture around and change my decor on an almost weekly basis. My family (husband and my 21-month-old daughter) has been so accommodating to all this madness ;) but I’m sure bae thinks I’m a crazy person at times but hey I wouldn’t blame him J

As you walk through my home you can see my love of colors and life (live plants). Each room has its own “vibe” and this theme is every changing. I follow no rules when it comes to staging my own home. I go with the flow of my heart and I love my home to a story."

The entryway to home sets the mood and gives the hint what's in store inside. Chitra knows this fact very well and has decorated her entryway in a way that everyone who visits wants to know what's to come next.

Aptly placed Ganesha murti (idol) exudes positivity and creates a welcoming environment. The mirror behind the idol not only gives an illusion of God's aura but also reflects the light and makes the place look even brighter and bigger. To break the monotony of neutral color scheme there stands a bright, bold and beautiful blue door to greet the guests.

"You will see Lord Ganesha greeting you as you enter our humble abode. The Ganesha was a house warming present from my maternal grandmother so he is very close to my heart."

Lush and healthy plants are there to brighten things up and to add that kick your decor needs.

Chitra's pooja room reminds me of my grandparents' home. She has created such a divine place that just by looking at the picture one can attain inner peace. The place emits a special sense of calm. Here is what Chitra says with a great pleasure,

"I grew up in a religious family. Having a Pooja room and praying together as a family was part of our everyday norm. I have been lucky enough to continue that tradition in my own home. I come here to reflect and rejuvenate".

We are now stepping into Chitra's formal living room where she enjoys her free time. In this room, she has added a good dose of colors using colorful cushions and fresh flowers. Teal and fuchsia are used as an accent color whereas brown is used to tie together the whole setup.

"Formal living room is the “calm” space in my house. I love playing classical solo piano or Celtic music when I sit down to relax and it's mostly (probably) right here."

"I sometimes turn on the fountain to create an ambience. This is a perfect spot to enjoy my cup of chai or read a book."

Now let's take a look inside her family room which is my favourite for many reasons one being the ikat print curtains. If you wish to buy similar ones in India then here is a link for you. I just couldn't take my eyes off these gorgeous curtains and asked Chitra to send one more image that focuses more on curtains and being the sweetest friend she clicked the image and sent to me.

"Family room is where the action happens. We meet, greet and be merry right here. I have a little one at home so this space isn’t always organised but I love my perfectly imperfect home "

All the warm colors create a cheerful and warm ambience in the family room. Right next to the window and seating arrangement is this wall of masks that you must have seen in my "Wall Decorating Series". Chitra calls it a wanderlust wall.

"This is my wanderlust wall. This wall is filled with our travel memories and artefacts. Each item here was handpicked to be displayed right here on this wall"

Bookshelves flanking the TV unit shows her love for reading. Wooden word that spells "Home" hangs above the TV. reminds that you are in the comfort of your nice and peaceful home now forget about the rest of the world and just sit back and relax. Buddha figurines, the tree of life and other elements are there to add to the peaceful vibe. Chitra makes sure that plants and fresh flowers are always given place in every room to add life to the decor.

At the far end of this room is a gallery wall that comprises of family pictures and happy quotes. I always believe that family portraits are like time capsule they not only bring back lots of happy memories but also fill you with joy and warm your heart.

Right opposite to the window and seating arrangement is this whole setup that you see in below picture that looks so contemporary yet goes well with the rest of the decor in the room. This corner of Chitra's family room reminds me of my favourite interior designer Rebecca Robeson. The use of accent chair, ladder shelves and a huge painting that is binding the accent pieces together is what I love here, so contemporary, stylish and eye-pleasing. Did you notice how Chitra loves to play with patterns and textures. The pattern on the accent chair is so aesthetically balanced on the other side of the ladder shelves by hanging the metal wall decor in a similar pattern.

Adjacent to the above wall is this area which opens up into the breakfast nook and the kitchen. Chitra's love for patterns and colors is evident and she mixes them skilfully.

Now stand here in the breakfast nook and have a look at her family room from a different angle. Tell me what do you think! Doesn't it look so cosy yet spacious, well decorated yet functional, modern yet warm and welcoming.

Chitra has a knack for balancing the decor. You saw her family room filled with colors and patterns and now see her dining room. Plain white and some neutral shades are ruling the place but nothing seems to be looking out of place or inappropriate. To add a dash of color here fresh tiger lilies are doing their part. Now let's see what's in the kitchen.

"Kitchen is the heart of our home. When it comes to the kitchen, I like to keep it simple and clutter free."

I also believe that no matter you decorate it or not but the kitchen should be functional, simple and most importantly neat and sparkling clean. A basket full of fresh fruits is a perfect decor addition to the kitchen so that family members can snack on them and this will develop healthy eating habits in them.

Below is Chitra's gorgeous dining room. Espresso furniture, window treatment and a huge artwork that ties together the look and Chitra's has given her special touch here too with the clever use of patterns. It's your work now to find out how she has matched the patterns here. Though the dining room look completes to me but here is what Chitra says,

"Dining room is the room that inspires me to do better. This is still work in progress."

Nursery is a clam place with muted shades and a little pop of pink.

"I loved working on the nursery for my daughter and can’t wait to redecorate it when she outgrows it. A mixed feeling."

Now head to the guest room, don't you just love those baskets on the wall. So unusual yet so elegant. Fluffy pillows, clean and beautiful bedspread and a warm, cosy ambience what else guests need in their room. Chitra sure knows how to win hearts.

"I am a people person and love being the hostess. This room was the first room I decorated when we moved in 3 years ago. I add some pleasing touches to this room like fresh flowers or use a lovely linen spray (Tip – Jo Malone has some amazing room/linen sprays and they last forever) to make my guests feel special and welcomed."

Peek into her bedroom and we now already know what to expect. Furniture in a dark tone and beautiful soft furnishing that complements the accent pieces in peacock blue is a beautiful amalgamation that only a person with great taste can think of. Four poster bed is, of course, a statement piece in this room and is a show stopper for sure.

Chitra proudly says, "this is my peacock inspired room. This room is also a work in progress but I’m enjoying the process."

Aptly placed peacock feathers on either side of the bed is such an unusual touch and I am eyeing that bird cage and carved mirror frame too.

I have told you Chitra mixes pattern and colors masterfully and here is one more example. As the room exhibits peacock inspired decor, Chitra has chosen the drapes that not only have the shine and color like a peacock but have peacock feathers too.

I am sure by now you must have noticed the play of geometrical patterns here. Tell me what they are :)

With this, we come to an end of this tour let's sit back and relax in Chitra's backyard for a while and then we'll go somewhere else to get inspired.

"The backyard is my own little oasis. I am an ardent gardener. My love to nurture and grow plants has contaminated my husband too. When we got the house, the yard needed a lot of love. This is still a work in progress but we look forward to spend our time together right here every year. Plants are like babies, you give it some love and they love you right back. Instant gratification."

Thank you so much Chitra for letting us all soak in the beauty of your amazingly done up home. What do you all think about Chitra's home. Do let her know in the comments below. Thank you all for stopping by.

I am receiving lots of requests to make videos on various topics and I have noted down and started working on a few of them. If you too have any suggestions let me know. Till then connect with me here: